San Francisco State vs. University of the People

Comparable Facts

Compare San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA with University of the People in Pasadena, California on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of the People is larger than San Francisco State based on total student enrollment (41,961 students vs. 22,563 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Francisco State University is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); University of the People is in Pasadena, California (Midsize City setting).
• San Francisco State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the People is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Francisco State University 19:1; University of the People 28:1.

San Francisco State vs. University of the People Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Francisco State or University of the People? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of the People than San Francisco State ($1,575 vs. $13,168).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the People are 91% lower than at San Francisco State University ($2,001 vs. $22,266).
• San Francisco State University is 467.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of the People (about $6,550 more per year; $7,950.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1,367.9% higher at San Francisco State than at University of the People (about $19,150 more per year; $20,550.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Francisco State University than at University of the People (77% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Francisco State University students is 1,166.7% larger than aid received by University of the People students ($12,996 vs. $1,026).

San Francisco State vs. University of the People Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Francisco State or University of the People? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of the People and San Francisco State.

• University of the People reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Francisco State University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Francisco State University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Francisco State - Test-free; University of the People - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Francisco State Nov 30, 2026.

San Francisco State vs. University of the People Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Francisco State and University of the People? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.